Day without sun offers fun: Center was alive with weekend activities

Weather was a major player in Saturday’s Center activities last weekend. The cloudy, dreary and occasionally rainy day at the Green Expo, the Chamber of Commerce Arts Show and Crafts Fair and the Fire Department’s Country Fair was actually deemed a plus by most participants, reasoning that a sunny day would have many heading for the beach.

If it was a bit slow in the morning, attendees increased as it became apparent the rain and  the occasional sprinkle would hold off.

As promised by Green Options Committee Chairman Tim Purtell, many Town committees were on hand to talk about their work, everything from protecting and improving water quality to dealing with the rapid increase in the Island’s tick population.

Groups from the Water Advisory Committee and Water Quality Improvement Advisory Board have cooperated in funding projects to test well water and set the future of eliminating existing and emerging contaminants.

Fresh Pond Neighbors Association members and the Menantic Creek Keepers are working on clearing those bodies of water and the Creek Keepers have benefited from guidance from Peter Grand who has provided assistance in dealing with the Creek problems. The issues the Fresh Pond Neighbors are dealing with, Mr. Grand said,  also affect Menantic Creek and Dickerson Creek since water flows to them, and it’s a natural relationship to work together. Erica Kraabe from The Nature Conservancy shared information on the importance of keeping Mashomack Preserve protected from development.

Joe Denny was on hand seeking public support for his “Kids in Motion” program that would involve rebuilding the skate park and other outdoor activities. Mr. Denny said skateboarding has been in his life since he was 13, and has been a sport he has enjoyed for some 35 years. He expects to have 501 (c)3 status shortly to take pledges of contributions for enhanced recreational activities.

Chamber of Commerce Arts Show/Crafts Fair

Nearby on the School’s front lawn, artists and craft makers were plying their wares. There were booths from local artists and artisans and off-Island vendors, most of whom said weather notwithstanding, Saturday was proving to be a good day for the annual Chamber of Commerce event.

Paul Scott, of Seven Barrels came from Tuxedo Park, N.Y., said when he first awakened, he questioned if he was crazy to leave his home to travel to Shelter Island when the weather was not promising. But Islanders have been among his customers for olive oils and Italian balsamics and he wanted to be here.

Jen Peritore was on hand selling East End Candles made by her boyfriend Todd Treharne, calling the partnership workable since she saw the process of candle-making not completely to her liking.

Food and Fun

Just two short blocks away, the Fire Department was staging its Country Fair where children frolicked and attendees from all events could enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers, watermelon and other satisfying foods.